Why Music Is the MVP of the Gaming Experience

“If music be the food of love, play on.” It’s hard to argue with the Bard on that one, especially when it comes to RPGs. Music in video games is undeniably iconic, from the serene opening score to The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, to the dramatic chanting of “Dovakiin”, the main theme of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

The role of music in gaming goes much deeper than it might initially seem. While a memorable theme tune is essential to kick off an epic adventure, it’s the continuous score throughout the game that truly sets the scene. This ongoing music is as vital for creating the right atmosphere as any graphic design or texturing.

The epic theme tune for Skyrim sets the right tone instantly

I had the privilege of sitting in on a games music masterclass this May with BAFTA award-winning Borislav Slavov, the composer behind titles including Divinity: Original Sin 2 and Baldur’s Gate III. The purpose of the seminar was to explore the narrative role music has within a game, and how it can be used as a storytelling device. We watched the same short clip of an adventurer walking through the woods three times, each time with a different musical score. Firstly, there was a jaunty tune, filled with lilting flute notes that evoked the feeling of a summer’s day. Our adventurer appeared happy and at peace, strolling past the trees without a care in the world. On the second viewing, the music shifted dramatically. Deep brass notes filled the air, swelling into a mighty crescendo. Our hero was no longer on a leisurely stroll; he was filled with purpose, striding towards his destiny and ready to face any challenges that came his way. He was unstoppable! The final piece of music took yet another turn, filled with broken violin notes in a stuttering staccato. Our hero was on edge… afraid. Something sinister was lurking beyond those trees. As an audience, we collectively held our breath, anticipating danger around every corner… but of course, we had seen this clip twice already. No such thing was going to happen. And yet, simply by changing the score, the same clip became three completely different scenes.

Often, a game’s score acts as an undercurrent, barely noticed by the player, who is deeply engrossed in their quest. Yet, it is always present, setting the scene and subtly guiding the player’s emotions in each moment. There is no greater dread than stepping into a new area and hearing the music shift subtly from relaxed to tense. Without any other prompts, change of scenery, or character dialogue, the player instinctively knows that danger is near. The music acts as a wordless narrator, guiding the story forward.

Major gaming award ceremonies acknowledge and celebrate original gaming soundtracks, with shows like The Game Awards, the Golden Joystick Awards, and the D.I.C.E. Awards, highlighting the sheer amount of talent games composers bring to the industry. Soundtrack releases have become a staple of Japanese gaming, and over the past decade, they have gained increased recognition in the West. Streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, along with download stores, have simplified the distribution of soundtracks. Additionally, physical copies are frequently bundled with the deluxe or special editions of games. This proves how much the music within games means to people. Indeed, there is such love for the soundtrack alone that live concerts have started to become more commonplace in recent years, as a way for fans of games to all gather together and listen to the soundtrack of their favourite game performed by a full orchestra.

Event organiser Games Music Festival are a company dedicated to bringing the music of games to life, having hosted live concerts in London, UK and Wroclaw, Poland. Their shows thus far have been The Final Symphony (Final Fantasy V, VIII, IX, and XII), Sound of the Fireflies (The Last of Us Part I and II) and Symphony of the Realms (Baldur’s Gate III).

Symphony of the Realms, London 2024

Having attended both The Last of Us and Baldur’s Gate III concerts, which took place on the same day at the London South Bank Centre in May, I can attest to the feeling of camaraderie as fans come together to celebrate the games they love. Fans dressed up as their favourite characters, there were photo opportunities dotted around the venues. There were workshops with the composers, talks with some of the voice actors and a panel with representatives of BAFTA games. It was a truly magical experience and one that will stay with me forever, and I urge anyone who has the opportunity to attend one of these shows to do so.